Its Early, But The Rams Draft Strategy Is Obvious - BDPA

BDPA

Best Defensive Player Available.

Well, that's almost true. I don't think - despite all the criticism - that DT is a priority. I think that Pickett and Kennedy can anchor a quality defense. BDPWNADTA ("Best Defensive Player Who's Not A Defensive Tackle") was too long, though.

With that caveat, is there a position on the defense that can't be upgraded? Sure, Leonard Little is a good player, but couldn't the Rams use another stud DE? And, while Pisa shows promise and Claiborne is solid, is there any doubt that the Rams could benefit from a Blue Chip LB added to their corps.

In the defensive backfield, every job is up for grabs. Truth is, the current players who might have the best chance of being starters next year may be Ron Bartell (who shows promise and has freakish physical tools) and Jerome Carter (a somewhat limited player but smart and gives his all on every play).

Of course, none of it will matter until the Rams get a coach who knows how to get the most out of his players, rather than one who has a scheme and sticks to it no matter how badly its working.

Re: Its Early, But The Rams Draft Strategy Is Obvious - BDPA

So maybe, it should be BDCA ("best defensive coordinator available").

That's a heck of a start. Now if we could just add:

BFOEA (best front office executives available)

"Before the gates of excellence the high gods have placed sweat; long is the road thereto and rough and steep at first; but when the heights are reached, then there is ease, though grievously hard in the winning." --- Hesiod

Re: Its Early, But The Rams Draft Strategy Is Obvious - BDPA

Re: Its Early, But The Rams Draft Strategy Is Obvious - BDPA

My Philosophy on Defense:

1. DT - One DT should be a run stopper. He should get an A for stopping the run and a C on pass defense. The other DT should be a pass rusher. He should be pushing the guard or center back to the quarter back getting in the quarterback's face to disrupt his timing and vision. He should grade an A on pass rush and a C on run defense.
I would pay a premium on a DT that can dominate both categorie.

2. DE - One DE should be a pass rushing specialist. He should be shot out a cannon from the snap of the ball and be in the backfield before the QB gets back there. He should be adequate against the run. A on pass rush and a C on run defense.
The other DE should have good pass rushing ability but more of a run defender. He should be able to put pressure on the QB but more concern about stopping anyone from getting behind him. A on run defense and C on pass rush.
A DE who can dominate both categories would be paid a high premium.

3. ILB - The ILB should be your tackling machine. He should think run first then pass. His job would be to tackle anybody that gets pass the DT or DE. He would be lining up behind the pass rushing DT to fill in the gap cause by the DT. He should grade an A+ on run defense and a C on pass defense. It would be good to get an ILB that can dominate both category but not necessary.

4. OLB - Your OLBs should be thinking pass first and then run. They should be able to fall back into coverage to fill in the holes in the soft zones. But they should be versatile enough to tackle the running backs. If called upon, they should have some pass rushing abilities. They should be able to grade a B+ on coverage and a C+ on run defense. This position does not need to dominate but be versatile to be more than adequate.

5. SS - This guy should be another tackling machine. He is the last line of run defense. He should be mr. versatility. He should be agile enough to go on a safety blitz; stuff the running back; and fill in the soft zone. (The zone between the linebacker and the free safety)
His run defense should be a B to B+ and his pass defense skill should be a solid B.

6. CB - Both cornerback to be able to pass defense. At least one cornerback to be your shut down cornerback. You should be able to put him on an island and don't worry about him for the rest of the game. His skill should be tremendous against the pass and so so against the run. He will be back up by the strong safety so run defense should not be a problem. The other cornerback should be able to hold his own but will be back up by the free safety so the WR will be passed off to him. A premium would be paid on shutdown corners.

7. FS - He is the most unsung hero of the team. Beside the corner, he should be the best cover guy on the team. No one should get past him on a pass play. He has got to excel in coverage and be able to read where the play is going. He would like the sweeper on field hockey. Sweep anything that comes into his zone so there is no chance of scoring on the defense. In my opinion I would pay a premium for a very good free safety.

Re: Its Early, But The Rams Draft Strategy Is Obvious - BDPA

Originally Posted by general counsel

We are so bad on defense that it is hard to say what we need other than an exorcism.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

now, that's funny!LOL

av is dead on about the bdpa...the kid from virginia tech, tapp DE is top on my list followed by dumervil of louisville...mario williams of ncstate may be another julius peppers but he'll be gone by the fifth pick...

damn, onslaught11, you've got way too much free time on your hand...but i like your thinking...

Re: Its Early, But The Rams Draft Strategy Is Obvious - BDPA

Originally Posted by onslaught11

5. SS - This guy should be another tackling machine. He is the last line of run defense. He should be mr. versatility. He should be agile enough to go on a safety blitz; stuff the running back; and fill in the soft zone. (The zone between the linebacker and the free safety)
His run defense should be a B to B+ and his pass defense skill should be a solid B.